Australian IS-Linked Families Released from Syria Camp but Returned Amid Permission Issues
February 17, 2026
Thirty-four Australian women and children, linked to Islamic State fighters, were supposed to return home after nearly seven years in Syria’s Roj detention camp. They were released on Monday and handed to family members with plans to travel to Damascus and then Beirut for passport arrangements. However, the group was sent back to the camp due to "technical reasons," reported by Australian media as permission conflicts among local factions. The Australian government has not agreed to officially repatriate them and maintains that any returnees who committed crimes will face "the full force of the law." The camp holds over 2,000 people from 40 countries, mostly women and children connected to IS. Hakmiyeh Ibrahim, co-director of Roj, urged all countries to take their citizens back, warning that children grow up amid "dangerous ideas and ideologies." She said, "My message is not only to Australia but to all countries: take your citizens, take these children and women." Australia’s statement noted that security agencies are monitoring the situation closely, prioritizing national safety. Last year, Australia brought back another group of four women and 13 children from the camp, which caused public debate. Meanwhile, similar cases in other countries, including Britain and the UK’s handling of Shamima Begum, continue to draw international attention. The fate of these families remains unclear as diplomatic and legal complexities stall their return.
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Tags:
Australia
Is Families
Syria
Roj Camp
Repatriation
Islamic State
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